Posse Chicago is thrilled to announce the addition of Norma Autry, Marie Ciavarella and Chaka Patterson to its leadership council, a group of civic-minded professionals aligned with Posse’s mission and vision.

Norma is President and Co-Founder of ClearlyEnergy, a leading provider of utility cost information for the real estate industry and an online energy efficiency marketplace for consumers. Norma is a Rice University Posse alumna and holds a bachelor’s degree in economics.

“It is inspiring to be part of a program that focuses on diversity in a way unlike other programs,” says Norma. “As a Posse alumna, I am constantly looking for ways to give back to the program that gave me so much.”

Marie holds a doctorate in psychology and a certificate in business administration. She is also the owner of StarWorks Leadership, which delivers leadership and organizational development solutions to a diverse client list—from Fortune 100 companies to marquee non-profits.

“I was excited to join the leadership council to promote rising talent,” says Marie. “I can make a difference through my network, passion and commitment to changing the face of leadership…and I have seen up close how opportunity and learning propels one to make lasting contributions.”

Chaka is the Chief of the Civil Actions Bureau in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Chaka holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School and a B.A. from Amherst College, where he was the first black student to be elected student government president and graduated magna cum laude.

“I choose to dedicate my philanthropic efforts to Posse’s mission: to find students who, like me, might be overlooked by the traditional college admissions process, help them get admitted to great schools, thrive at those schools, and go on to become great leaders in their communities,” says Chaka.

Posse Chicago thanks its dedicated leadership council members for making a strong commitment to the success of our Scholars and alumni.